Like you I have been using iTunes for over 8 years to stream my AIFF ripped CDs to either an Apple TV or Airport Express. I have 3 systems in different rooms and my wife has her own system. Over that time, I have never had any issues with iTunes. No dropouts or glitches, it just works flawlessly and the sound quality is great. So, I have no plans to change anytime soon.
I would remind you that Apple will be replacing iTunes with three individual, standalone versions of their Music, Podcasts and TV apps in the next version of macOS. You might want to wait and see what the iTunes replacement is like.